FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Cars began going through Kentucky’s first drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at the Franklin County Fairgrounds Monday morning. The location is expected to handle about 250 tests per day.
State officials partnered with Kroger to provide the testing, which will be available to people with COVID-19 symptoms as well as healthcare workers, first responders, people who are 65 years of age or older or people with chronic health conditions. Tests results are expected within 48 hours.
The goal is to test up to 20,000 people across the state over the next five weeks.
"The possibility, the potential here just from this program could almost double the amount of testing we have right now,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.
The tests are free and by appointment only. You can register online at www.thelittleclinic.com/drivethru-testing or by calling 1-888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).
Drive-thru testing increases the number of tests that can be provided, while also conserving the amount of personal protective equipment that is utilized. The testing features a self-administered nasal swab that must be ordered and observed by a provider.
”Eventually after we peak and as we start coming down, what is it going to take to ease restrictions? Increasing our capacity for testing, the methods of testing is one of the most important things we're going to have to reach,” Beshear explained.
There will be more drive-thru testing sites in the state. Beshear announced during his Monday press conference that there will be a drive-thru location opening on Wednesday in Kenton County.
